Political Quotes

“I rise to congratulate the Taiwanese people in celebrating the 91st National Day of the Republic of China on October 10, 2002. Taiwan is, and has been, a loyal ally and trading partner in Asia. Its people participate and fully subscribe to the principles of freedom and democracy. The Taiwanese people have worked with the United States on issues ranging from endangered species, trademark infringements to global terrorism. They look to us for cooperation, guidance and protection. President Bush will soon be meeting with PRC President Jiang Zemin in the United States. I ask my colleagues to join with me in urging President Bush not to enter into any agreement which would restrict Taiwan or compromise its growing democracy. Better relations with the PRC must not come at the expense of the 23 million people on Taiwan, who must depend on America to defend their interests. I am, however, pleased to see that on September 26 Congress passed the Foreign Relations Authorization Act which contains a few Taiwan-friendly clauses. While the act is not legally binding, this is a goodwill gesture towards Taiwan by the United States.”